If you’re building or renovating a home, you need to consider installing HVAC equipment. There can be myriad design configurations depending on the type and size of your HVAC equipment, but it’s paramount that your contractor gets it right during installation.
Here are some common HVAC systems and some notes on where the equipment is typically installed.
Central Heat and Air Conditioning
Central heat and AC are the most common type of HVAC system for residential buildings. And for the majority of those, the split system, with the condenser outdoors and the evaporator coils and air handler inside, is the most typical style. Ducts to circulate air can be in the attic (although some consider this a wasteful location), in basements, or in a special chase dropped from the ceiling. The equipment itself may be above, below, or at ground level. There will be supply registers higher on the wall or in the ceiling and return registers located lower in the wall or in the floor for air distribution.
Air Source Heat Pump
An air source heat pump is another type of central AC and heating. The condenser is located outdoors, and the unit operates similar to central, pumping refrigerant in and out of the house in a continuous cycle of absorbing and releasing heat gathered in the refrigerant. The outdoor unit should be at least 2 feet from the house or any other structure. The cooled or heated air will go to an air handler, usually located inside a cabinet which may be on any level of the house and may be distributed through ductwork (same as for central HVAC).
Ductless Mini Split
This is a type of heat pump, but it needs no ducts. It consists of an outdoor condenser that should be installed no more than 20 feet away from the house, connected to indoor air handlers (up to four per unit) that may be installed in the ceiling, on the wall, or on the floor.
There are many other ways of installing HVAC equipment. To learn more, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing of Indianapolis.
